How to type the square root symbol (√) on iPhone
The square root symbol is not on the iPhone keyboard, not even behind a long-press. The dependable way to type √ on iPhone is to copy it from this page and save it as a Text Replacement, for example turning “sqrt/” into √ everywhere you type.
Quick answer
Copy √ above, then Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement → + → paste √ and add the shortcut sqrt/.
Step by step
Copy the square root sign
Tap Copy at the top of this page.
Open Text Replacement
Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, then tap +.
Paste and choose a shortcut
Paste √ in Phrase and type sqrt/ (or any code you like) in Shortcut. Save.
Type the shortcut
Type sqrt/ and a space in any app to get √.
The Calculator app will not help
The scientific Calculator (rotate the phone, or open the scientific mode) has a √ button, but it calculates rather than inserting a character you can copy. For writing, a text replacement is the way to go.
Writing maths on iPhone and iPad
For short notes, √ followed by the number is fine: √2, √(x + 1). For worksheets or anything longer, the equation tools in Pages and Keynote on iPad accept LaTeX such as \sqrt{2}, and they draw the bar over the whole expression. If you use a hardware keyboard with an iPad, Option + V types √ directly, as on a Mac (see the Mac guide).
Build a small maths kit
While you are in Text Replacement, add the other signs the iPhone lacks: ± (pm+), ≤ (<=/), ≥ (>=/) and ÷ (div/). You can copy them all at once from the math symbols collection using the tray at the bottom of the page. ≠ and ≈ are already on the keyboard: hold = on the #+= page.
Is it the right character?
√ is U+221A SQUARE ROOT. It is sometimes confused with the check mark ✓, which looks similar but means “done”. Screen readers read √ as “square root”, so do not use it as a tick. The square root symbol page shows the difference and every code, and the iPhone symbols guide lists the keys that do have hidden symbols.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a √ key on iPhone?
No. The English iPhone keyboards have no square root key or long-press option. Copy it and save it as a text replacement.
How do I type √ on an iPad with a keyboard?
Press Option + V on a Magic Keyboard or any hardware keyboard.
Can I use the Calculator to copy √?
No. The Calculator’s √ button performs the calculation; it does not insert the symbol.